Magical Kingdom in the Clouds (10 Days 9 Nights)

About this Tour

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01: Arrive at Paro International Airport which is 2250meters above sea level and indeed it is one of the most beautiful airports in the world because of its unique Bhutanese architecture and colorful paintings. You will be welcomed by our Representative who will be your tour guide during your memorable time in Bhutan. We head out through relaxing countryside of terraced rice fields with Rhododendron and pine forests as we make an hour drive to capital city, Thimphu which is 2320meters above sea level with landscape of picturesque sceneries and beautiful valleys blend with modern word.

En route stop at 14th century Tagchok Lhakhang (Temple of divine Horse of Guru Rinpoche popularly known as second Buddha).Check into your hotel and after refreshment and lunch visits the following: Bhutan Post office for your personalized stamps which is available only here in Bhutan and stroll around Authentic Bhutanese craft market where local people sales Traditional Bhutanese handicraft products such as Textiles, Thangkha (Religious scroll hanging), Festival Masks, Statues, Bamboo products and many other Bhutanese Arts & Crafts. Drive to the Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third king of the country, who is widely regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. Drive to Kuenselphordang and visit the Temple of the world largest Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the stunning view of Thimphu valley. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, this 13TH Century temple is situated atop a small hound overlooking the city which was built by illustrious Lam Phajo Dugom Zhingpo. The Takin Preserve to see our national animal, Takin is extremely rare member of goat family, with the body of cow and head of goat. Folk Heritage Museum: This museum showcases our rich traditions and rural livelihood of Bhutanese people. Textile Museum It is dedicated to the rich skill of the Bhutanese weaver, primarily women. The museum has good collection of sample including rare pieces and antiques, some belonging to the royal family also.

Later in evening visit 17th century Tashichhoe Dzong the ‘fortress of the glorious religion’ which houses the Secretariat building, the throne room and offices of the king and the central monk body. Have a leisure time in the biggest city of Bhutan and absorbs the life style of the people.

DAY 02: After breakfast at hotel, Drive to Punakha (3 hours drive and elevation is 1300 meters above sea level) across Dochula pass (31O0m elevation). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag.

Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day and also you circumbulate the stunning 108 stupas was built by Her Majesty Queen Mother for security and wellbeing of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. Afternoon hike up through the paddy fields and villages to Chimi Lhakhang the temple of Divine Mad Man (Lam Drukpa Kinley) or also known as the temple of fertility. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. It’s maximum total of 1 hour moderate hike.

On a way to hotel visit Nunnery, if time permits do some mediation with rituals ceremony with Nuns but depends upon the individual’s interest and Later check in to the Hotel at Punakha.

DAY 03: After breakfast visit Punakha Fortress ‘’the Palace of Great Happiness’’ which is one of the most beautiful Fortress built in the confluences of Mo Chu, Mother River and Pho chu, Father river and it is also very important in the history of Bhutan. Then walk around the Longest Suspension bridge of Bhutan.

After your picnic lunch there is two options for you either you can do an hour Hike up to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Stupa which was built by Her Majesty Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck in 1999 for the wellbeing of king, country and people. The shrine is perched high on a hill on the opposite bank of Mo Chhu (Female River) offering a superb views of the Punakha valley. The hike is gradual ascent through a cultivated rice fields and little hamlets or other options is that you can experience the adventurous sports of White Water Rafting and Kayaking which is very popular in both the rivers of Punakha valley. Check in to the hotel and refresh up for your next schedule.

DAY 04: Punakha to Gangtey valley which is at the elevation of 2800meters above sea level (70km and 3hours drive). After the breakfast start the journey towards east and we’ll enter the Black Mountain region of Nature Park. The drive is relatively shorter and there are regular stops for birding and photography all along the way as we pass through various villages and forests of different kinds. As we ascend towards the mountain side the road leads to the forests of oak and rhododendrons. Once crossing the mountain the broad valley of Phobjikha opens up and is one of the few glacial valleys of Bhutan.

During winter season the migrating flocks of black-necked cranes from highlands of Tibetan plateau come to breed and due to which this valley is one of the most important wildlife reserves in the country. After lunch hike Gangtey Natural Trail which is an hour more hike around spectacular glacial bowl shaped landscape and ridge overlooking the large green expense of Phobjikha valley below and is a refreshing view for the visitors. After the day’s tour around the valley guests may stay overnight in one of the hotels in Phobjikha.

DAY 05: After an early breakfast, drive to Bumthang via Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m). The pass is marked by a white chorten and many prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop at Chendebji Chorten. You can see the chorten with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.

Finally reaching towards Trongsa you can view the stunning Trongsa Dzong from a distance. Drive further towards east to Bumthang, 68 kms away from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m). The road winds steeply up to the pass, and then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. Stopping in Chumey village there are many shops selling yathra, a woolen textile. Bumthang is famous for yathra a distinctive strip of woven woolen fabric in numerous colours and patterns mostly made using ancient dyeing techniques. The Road follows the valley down and it climbs through blue pine forests to Kiki La (2,860m) and then descent down to the Choekor Valley or central of Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel.

DAY 06: Bumthang valley is known as the heartland of Buddhism in Bhutan. In 746 AD, it is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here to exorcise a demon from the king and then converted the people to Buddhism, restoring peace to the region. Guru Rinpoche stayed in the valley to build more than 40 temples. After the breakfast drive to Jambay Lhakhang Temple which is one of the oldest temple of Bhutan built by king Sontsen Gambo and every October its hosts a colorful festival then later walk to the sacred monastery Kurjey Lhakhang Temple, which houses a rock that shows Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint after he subdued the powerful Shelging Karpo demon and then start a gentle hike towards the 15th century Tamazhing Monastery built by the Buddhist saint, Treton Pema Lingpa who is known as a Great Treasure Discovery.

Later in the evening visit Jakar Dzong was founded in 1549 by the great grandfather Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Known as the Castle of the White Bird, it was built on top of the hill because the lamas were directed there by a large white bird. Drive to Cheese making factory and Red Panda Brewery. Have a leisure time in the Chamkar Town and night halt in Bumthang valley.

DAY 07: After an early breakfast drive to Wangdi districts and on the way en route to magnificent Trongsa Fortress which is the biggest fortress of Bhutan and also it’s very important for the history of Bhutan. If time permits visit Ta Dzong means Watch Tower because it is built in such a strategic location where we can view the rich lush green forests mountains and magnificent fortress of Trongsa. Now it houses as The Royal Heritage Museum.

After lunch drive to further west to Nobding, a small hamlet where locals sell organic vegetables and dairy products so certainly its good place to interact with locals. Drive to Lobesha and check in to the hotel.

DAY 08: After your breakfast drive to Paro which is around four hours drive and en route to Dochhula Pass 3100 meters elevation above sea level and again if it’s clear blue sky you will view the stunning snow clad mountains of Eastern Himalayas and walk clockwise around the beautiful 108 stupas to wash away your negative obstacles. Have a lunch at Thimphu city and drive towards Paro valley which is very famous for red rice and certainly Paro is also one of the hot spot for the tourist destination in Bhutan.

You will visit 17th century Paro Fortress which is also one of the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and visit the country’s first National Museum from there we have a breathtaking view of Paro valley. Later evening stroll around beautiful town of Paro and overnight in Paro.

DAY 09: After your early breakfast hike up hill to the famous 8th century Takshang Monastery, ‘’The Tiger’s Nest’’ which is one of the iconic model of Bhutan because of its incredible location and holiest pilgrimage site for the Buddhist all over the world. It looks like bulging out of steep rock which is 900meters above the valley floor. The hike to the monastery is a gradual climb through the lush meadows, oak and rhododendron forest, fluttering prayers flags and rotating prayers wheels. The total duration to complete the hike is four to five hours from the car park and if you wish you can hire a horse but only for the way up to the Tea house.

Later in the evening refresh yourself in one of the famous Café and have a leisure time and shopping in the Paro town. Later on visit Traditional Bhutanese Farm House where you can experiences our rich cultural and tradition, enjoy the Archery match which is our National sport and modeling session with our National Dress. Dinner in the Farm house, enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisine and hospitality with the family members of the farm house. Later check in to the hotel.

DAY 10: After breakfast “BHTC” representative will drop you to airport for your fond farewell to onward destination. Bon Voyage!

All night stay at 3 star hotel
All transportation throughout the tour
All meals (B/L/D) throughout the tour
All entry fees to dzongs and museums
Complimentary mineral water bottle
Well experienced guide service
Airport pick & drop
Government royalty
Doctor consultancy only

Useful Information

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